Inter Miami’s 2026 MLS campaign: Messi’s side begin search for another landmark season

Inter Miami will begin the 2026 Major League Soccer season aiming to build on the first league title in the club’s history, secured last season after victory over Vancouver in the final.

Founded in 2018, Inter Miami have rapidly established themselves as one of the most prominent teams in MLS after assembling a squad featuring several of football’s biggest names. Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez have all strengthened the club since its formation, while further additions are expected as the team prepares for a new campaign.

The Florida-based club, chaired by David Beckham, are now tasked with defending their title and maintaining the progress made during the previous two seasons.

Before last season’s breakthrough, Inter Miami had already claimed the Supporters’ Shield in the campaign before last. That award is given to the team with the highest points total across the Eastern and Western Conferences during the regular season.

The club then followed that achievement by winning its first title, overcoming Vancouver in the final. The success marked an important moment in Inter Miami’s short history and gave Messi and his team-mates a new target for 2026.

Inter Miami compete in the Eastern Conference and will play 34 matches during the regular season. MLS consists of 29 clubs, divided between the two conferences, with 15 teams in the East and 14 in the West.

The seven highest-placed teams in each conference qualify directly for the finals. Teams finishing eighth and ninth move into the play-offs as they compete for a route into the next stage.

The opening round of the play-offs is contested over a best-of-three series. The semi-finals and final are then played as one-off matches, with home advantage awarded to the team that finished higher in the regular-season standings.

That format means Inter Miami’s position in the Eastern Conference table will be significant throughout the campaign. A strong regular-season finish would not only secure a place in the finals but could also give the club home advantage in the later single-match rounds.

The 2026 season will therefore offer a fresh test for a side that has quickly moved from expansion club to title contender. With Messi at the centre of the team and a group of experienced former Barcelona players around him, Inter Miami will attempt to add to the first major title won in their history.

Full details of Inter Miami’s 2026 MLS fixtures and their progress in the standings are being followed as the new season develops.

Supporters can watch Inter Miami’s MLS matches live, and follow Lionel Messi’s performances, through the Apple TV app.

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